"Discovering new insight on your inner fool."

"Imagine... An educational program that’s truly hands on, gives a promise of tangible results and is presented by proven instructors."

These programs have been designed with the intermediate to advanced clown performing artist in mind. A separate "beginning" clown program can also be presented. The programs’ presenters are accomplished clown arts educators Kenny Ahern and Brenda Ahern. A variety of classes are available and can be combined to meet a specific host’s needs. No matter what classes are chosen by a host group, we find that it is important to have a common thread floating through the chosen curriculum. Whether you are learning to balance a balloon on your nose, learning how to safely fall or finding a new way to move your body–our teaching will always build on one’s personal character and performance presentation. Simply put, we want people to come away from the program with tangible, practical knowledge and new insight on their inner fool. We do this by providing education that is not only relevant, but also fun and entertaining. In addition to the classes provided, a performance by Kenny and/or Brenda can be included with each program.

Clown & Variety Arts

Weekend Program with Kenny & Brenda Ahern

Designed for the Clown and Variety performers, this program’s curriculum is based on the curriculum created by Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey’s Clown College, under the tutelage of Director, Steve Smith. Kenny helped in the development of this curriculum while on staff at Clown College. All participants are divided into two groups each day, and attend all chosen classes during the day—with open workshops and performances available in the evening. All of the classes will build upon one another, allowing for a focused well rounded weekend of learning, motivation and fun. Program size is limited to a maximum of forty participants. The program has specific technical and personal requirements.

One Day Intensive with Kenny Ahern

Designed for the Clown and Variety performers, it is extremely important that the intensive be limited to a maximum of twenty participants. Any larger and it becomes very difficult to really work "hands on" with everyone. The program is intense, both physically and mentally. I feel it is very important that I treat each person as an individual and respect their personal limits. Though, I also stress that in order to grow you must take risk. The program has specific technical and personal requirements.

Professional Performing Arts Intensives

Kenny has available to him in La Crosse, WI a "state of the art" dance studio for presenting professional orientated performing arts intensives. Lodging accommodations and restaurants are all close by. These intensives have limited enrollment. One on One and ensemble intensives are also available.

Work in Progress: This program is for performing artists who already have existing or raw performance material that they would like to have help in developing further for a show or specific venue.

Physical Comedy: This program covers rudimentary through advanced technique with an emphasis on practical performance application.

Professional Educator Conference Presentation

Circus and Clowning Across the Curriculum, created and presented by Brenda Ahern, provides ideas and techniques for elementary school educators on how to put together thematic programming that that will meet most any curriculum need. There is a rich history of the circus and clown arts in the United States, by tapping into this valuable resource you will capture the imagination and attention of your students–guaranteed. This program has been presented at many professional educator conferences and annually at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Clown Camp, to visiting educators from across the United States. Resource materials are provided.